Wanted man could be hiding in Holland after fleeing Radcliffe ten years ago

ONE of the UK’s most wanted fugitives — who fled from Radcliffe after being busted in 2004 — is believed to be hiding in Holland.

Liam Fynes, aged 56, is a suspected international drug trafficker who has been on the run for a decade since drugs were found in his Suthers Street home.

Fynes is thought to be in Amsterdam and is being hunted as part of Operation Return, a campaign by the National Crime Agency, Crimestoppers UK and Dutch enforcement agencies.

He has an Irish accent and also uses the names William Cody, John Christopher Fynes, Leo Fynes, William McGowan and Stuart Healey.

In May 2004, large amounts of cannabis, diamorphine, ammunition and drug apparatus were found in Fynes’ house.

He was in his vehicle at the time and was found to have £1,000 in cash with another £36,000 in the car.

Fynes was charged with possession of heroin, possession of ammunition without a certificate and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

He was due to appear at Bolton Crown Court in June, 2005 but failed to do so and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Hank Cole, Head of International Operations for the National Crime Agency, said: “The NCA and its partners continue to pursue fugitives relentlessly.

“Many believe that they can use the Netherlands as a base to continue their illegal activities, which still have an impact on the UK, but they are finding out that it is not a safe haven.

“The exceptional level of collaboration and intelligence sharing with the Dutch authorities has resulted in many of our most wanted being captured.

“Last year alone, 20 fugitives linked to Return and other operations were captured in the Netherlands and brought back to the UK to face justice.

“However, the most important thing is the support of the public.

“Be our eyes and ears and let us know if you have any information, no matter how small or trivial, on the whereabouts of our targets.”

Lord Ashcroft, founder and chairman of Crimestoppers, said: “I hope that these campaigns give a clear message to British fugitives that escaping abroad does not mean you can escape justice for your crimes.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.